Page 107 of The Stolen Kingdom

“You had no problem getting them all on board?”

“Not at all,” Valda answered, straightening her back and looking behind her. “We got everyone ready in a day. Thankfully, they spared more supplies, so heading back to the Sea Kingdom should go smoothly.”

Maris scoffed; a weight lifted off her chest. Valda didn’t encounter any trouble unlike her… Now she had to find a way to tell her that the plan to get the Vulcanians to join them might not be as easy as moving all the Sealians.

Looking up at Valda, Maris couldn’t help but take in the darker shade on her nose, cheek and forehead. Her mate needed some tending to, and she was more than willing to give her whatever she needed.

Swallowing hard, Maris clasped Valda’s jaw firmly before kissing her deeply. Valda didn’t pull away, and even if she tried, Maris wasn’t planning on letting her go.

The taller woman tilted her head to slot their lips better, her arms coming to wrap around Maris’s waist again. A sudden warmth spread from Maris’s chest down to her lower stomach as Valda’s soft moans vibrated against her.

“Gods, I’ve missed you so,” Maris said, pulling away just enough to stare at Valda’s tired eyes.

“I’ve missed you too, Seashell,” Valda whispered before taking a step back. This time, Valda took her time, her honeyed eyes roaming over Maris as though she were searching for something hidden beneath the surface. She reached out, her calloused fingers brushing Maris’s shoulder. Maris winced involuntarily at the contact.

Valda’s brows furrowed, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, her touch grew more deliberate, moving gently to Maris’s neck and face, her thumb grazing along Maris’s jaw as though to soothe her. Finally, Valda tugged at the long sleeve of Maris’s tunic, pulling it up to reveal the darkened, mottled spots left by her burns.

Valda froze, her expression hardening into one of fury as her gaze locked onto the marks.

Her eyes shot at Maris’s face. “I knew it.”

Anger overtook her features as she yanked the sleeve further up, exposing more of Maris’s arm all the way to her shoulder.

“Valda, I—”

“Who did this to you?” Valda asked, her voice sharp, with no space for Maris to fight.

Of course, lying wasn’t going to work. Valda must’ve felt everything through the bond; the fear, dread, nervousness, and above all else, the determination to get through Kenna.

Swallowing hard, Maris pulled at Valda’s arm and dragged her through the multitude into a large tent.

Once inside, Valda stood in the middle, arms crossed, and Maris couldn’t help but steal a look or two. She wouldn’t admit it, but seeing Valda angry had its charms to it…

“Keep your wits about you, Valda,” Maris warned, touching the spots on her arms and looking away from Valda. She needed to concentrate on what she was going to say rather than how delicious Valda looked, even though she was covered in dirt.

Valda took a deep breath and nodded. Maris knew she was trying her hardest to stay calm; she could feel the struggle through their bond.

“Queen Kenna and a group of Vulcanians stormed Titania hours after you left.”

Valda went rigid, the muscles of her forearms moving under her tanned skin. She swallowed hard and took another deep breath before saying, “You escaped before all of that, right?”

Maris shook her head. “No. I fought her.”

“Have you lost your mind?!” Valda roared.

“I couldn’t leave, Valda. Melvian had just given birth—”

“What?!” Valda’s eyes grew wider before she ran her hands through her hair and turning away from Maris.

Maris allowed her a couple of seconds to compose herself. Valda’s back was tense, her shoulders moving up and down with every heavy breath she took. Turning her neck, she locked eyes with Maris, disbelief painted all over her features.

“Melvian gave birth?”

“Yes… When I was dealing with all of that, I heard a commotion outside. Kenna was looking for you. I needed to stop her and convince her that you didn’t kill her father.”

“She could’ve killed you, Maris!” Valda bellowed; her hands tightened to fists by her sides.

“But she didn’t.”

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